Environmental protesters may be liable for costs if bill passes

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Two new bills passed the Oregon House and are on their way to the Senate that will allow lumber companies to sue environmental protesters.

House Bill 2595, which passed 51-4, would make it a crime to interfere with state forestland management. House Bill 2596, which passed 43-12, would enable private contractors with the Oregon Department of Forestry to sue environmental protesters for the cost of damaged equipment, employee wages, attorney fees and similar costs.